How Do I Get Rid of Ants in My House?
If you have never experienced an ant infestation in your home, office, or school, count yourself among the lucky few. But if you are like most people, then you know what a nuisance they can be. Ants are the number one nuisance pest in the Midwest, especially during spring. As the weather gets warmer and April showers us with rain, ants start their home invasions seeking food, water, and shelter.
However, there are some simple things that homeowners can do to help prevent ant infestations this spring.
Eliminate Food Sources
Ants love sweet and sugary foods. They feed on juices, cereal, syrups, grains, meats, and just about anything else they can find. A few foraging ants are sent out to scout new food and water sources. They’ll leave a pheromone trail to help other ants within their colony find the newly discovered resources. Because of this, a few foraging ants can suddenly turn into hundreds of ants.
- Keep your kitchen clean
- Clean spilled food and crumbs from floors, counters, and pantries
- Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator
- Store food in sealed, airtight containers
- Wash dirty dishes and put them away right away
- Do not leave pet food out all night
Eliminate Water Sources
Like most living organisms, ants need a water source to survive. Damp areas around the home will attract ants, especially carpenter ants who form nests within damp, rotted wood. Reducing moisture and pools of standing water in and around the house can significantly help prevent ant infestations.
- Regularly check under sinks for water leaks and moisture
- Repair leaky pipes and outdoor spigots
- Use a dehumidifier in damp basements, bathrooms, and attics
- Ensure downspouts and gutters are functioning properly so that water flows away from the home’s foundation
Keep Your House Clean
Kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms are the most common areas where ant infestations occur. Regularly cleaning your house can go a long way to help prevent ants. Mop floors and clean counters with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Vacuuming and taking the garbage out on a regular basis are also simple precautions to keep ants away.
Keep Your Yard Clean
Keeping your yard tidy will help to discourage ants from coming indoors. Keep your grass mowed and trees and shrubs trimmed. Ants love to use plants as bridges to get into your house. A three-foot landscape buffer between your home and any vegetation will help keep ants from invading your home.
- Regularly mow grass and trim vegetation
- Relocate woodpiles at least 10-15 feet away from your house
- Keep decks and porches clear and clean
- Eliminate rotted wood
Block Off Access Points
Inspect the outside of your home, especially around windows and doors, for cracks and crevices. Seal these openings with caulk to block potential entry points for ants and other pests.
Natural Ant Deterrents
Everyday household items, such as peppermint, vinegar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, have been found to help stop ants from coming indoors. Try laying these out in areas where you see ants to tentatively keep them from using that area as an entrance into your house. Sprinkling coffee grounds on ant colonies have also been found to confuse ants so that they lose track of pheromone trails.
Milwaukee Ant Control
If the problem persists, it is best to contact your local pest professional. Here at Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control, we understand how difficult ant infestations can be to remove and the headaches they cause homeowners. Our licensed pest management professionals utilize industry-leading ant control methods to effectively eliminate your ant problem.
Over-the-counter pesticides only eliminate the few foraging ants. Our ant bait gel treatments penetrate the nest and destroy the ant colony at its source. Our pest specialists will also treat the exterior foundation and interior spaces to further protect your home and family from these pests. Our family company has been solving ant problems in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin for over 30 years!
Have ants in your house? Give us a call today at (262) 242-4390, or send us a message.